Located in the heart of the beautiful Texas Hill Country near Bandera, the Equestrian Lodge offers first-class accommodations and quality horseback riding - hacking or clinics!
The lodge lies on the northeast boundary of the Hill Country State Natural Area - a 5,400 acre primitive area, which boasts two live streams and 35 plus miles of riding and hiking trails. An ideal place for horseback riders as well as a peaceful retreat for bird-watchers and nature-lovers of all types. Guests of all ages and skill levels will find the Lodge's specialized horseback riding program rewarding. Unlike many guest ranches, the Lodge's horses are not de-sensitized "dude string" horses, but rather gentle, responsive mounts. Group rides are kept small- no more than 5 riders- to allow guests to ride according to the group's skill level. Less experienced riders are tutored before and during the rides, making it a rewarding learning experience. Skilled riders will appreciate the lodge's well-trained and athletic mounts.The Equestrian Lodge features daily trail rides and specialized instructions in its equestrian facilities - offering private and group instruction to it's guests, in such disciplines as Western Horsemanship, English Equitation, Reining, Cutting, Dressage, and Combined Training.

Rates do not include:
No meals on Sunday (kitchen is closed). Extra days possible

Itinerary for
Equestrian Lodge

The Lodge's riding program is superior, with appropriate mounts for riders of all skill levels. Experienced riders will appreciate the Lodge's well-bred Quarter Horses which have been individually selected for their excellent dispositions, responsiveness, beauty, and athleticism. Beginners will appreciate the brief instruction given before and during each ride, so that they, too may learn to feel and connect with their horse. Group rides are small and private- up to 5 riders maximum- and caringly lead by knowledgeable guides at a pace appropriate to each group. Riders experience a wide variety of terrain, and trail routes change each day.Couples may request a private guided ride through the hills, and private lessons are always available for riders of all ages 7 and over. While we do not offer a separate children's program, families find this the perfect place to spend quality time together.

The Lodge's well-bred Quarter Horses have been individually selected for their excellent dispositions, responsiveness, beauty, and athleticism.
The ranch holiday package includes a leisure trail ride of 2 hours per day (not including arrival and departure days). Alternatively you can chose 1 instruction session in trade for the 2 hrs of trail (on availability only, so best to order in advance).

Multi-day Private Cutting and Roping Clinics are now available by reservation. This is a fabulous opportunity to receive private instruction, and lots of time with the cattle while enjoying a great vacation! Reservations in advance are required.

Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the. more

Climate for
Equestrian Lodge

Annual Average Rainfall:

35.1 inches

Annual Average Temperature:

65º

Average January:

31º

Average July Maximum:

94º

Growing Season:

235 days

What to Bring for
Equestrian Lodge

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)

Riding boots (short) + Mini chaps

Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

Lightweight Rain coat

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pajama

Bag for dirty clothes

Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes

Swimsuit

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for the emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and enough extra films and batteries

Belt pack

Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

Video for
Equestrian Lodge

Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.

Google Map for
Equestrian Lodge

Average Tour Ratings for
Equestrian Lodge

*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.

Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.

Accommodations for
Equestrian Lodge

First class accommodations are offered in private cabins or luxury suites. The lodge is located on an authentic working guest ranch. An Early Texas/Ranch architectural theme is carried throughout the newly constructed cabins and barn, while the existing historical ranch house provides an operational and thematic centerpiece.Couples desiring a romantic get-away will especially appreciate the 22 foot tall limestone fireplace in each Private Cabin, private rides upon request, and the Spa Services available in the privacy of your accommodation. Candle-lit dinners in the 100 year old ranch headquarters dining room are also available by reservation. Make yourself at home and enjoy the modern amenities that all the cabins and suites have to offer. In addition to your comfortable surroundings, you'll fall in love with the beautiful views.The cabins feature Bedrooms and Living Rooms with 22' Cathedral Ceilings ~ Limestone Fireplace ~ Sleeper Sofa ~ Kitchen/Dining ~ 2 Baths ~ Central Air and Heat.Suites have Bedroom ~ Sleeper Sun Room ~ Kitchenette ~ Bath ~ Central Air and Heat.For the comfort and safety of the guests, lodge interiors are no smoking and pets are not permitted.

Meals: The packages include breakfast foods, stocked in
your accommodation. All other meals are served in the dining room of the
ranch house headquarters. Dinners are served by candlelight in the main
ranch house. The kitchen is closed on Sundays - no meals provided that
day.

The Lodge's well-bred Quarter Horses have been individually selected for their excellent dispositions, responsiveness, beauty, and athleticism.
The ranch holiday package includes a leisure trail ride of 2 hours per day (not including arrival and departure days). Alternatively you can chose 1 instruction session in trade for the 2 hrs of trail (on availability only, so best to order in advance).

Multi-day Private Cutting and Roping Clinics are now available by reservation. This is a fabulous opportunity to receive private instruction, and lots of time with the cattle while enjoying a great vacation! Reservations in advance are required.

Visa Requirement For
Equestrian Lodge

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).

The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel. ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

VisasNot required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.

Passport Required?

British

Yes

Australian

Yes

Canadian

Yes

USA

N/A

Other EU

Yes

Visa Required?

British

No/2

Australian

No

Canadian

No

USA

N/A

Other EU

1

Return Ticket Required?

British

Yes

Australian

Yes

Canadian

No

USA

N/A

Other EU

Yes

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.